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Arizona sleep-away camps: Are they opening in the summer of coronavirus? Here's what we know

For many people, sleep-away summer camp is a formative experience. It's a chance for kids to learn about themselves, to give kayaking a try, to trade friendship bracelets. A time to form a first crush, to connect with nature or to find your long-lost twin whom your divorced parents tried to hide from you in a trans-continental arrangement.

However, the new coronavirus has upended all facets of life, summer camp traditions included. Most programs start up in late May as schools let out and temperatures rise. As Arizona phases back into reopening businesses, camps are having to forecast for the summer.

Camping is all about being prepared, but that's become harder to do. While guidelines from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are being updated regularly, some Arizona summer camps are still planning to run their sessions, while others are temporarily shuttering cabin doors.

Friendly Pines Camp hopes to open

Nestled in the trees about two hours north of Phoenix, Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott has been around since 1941. The campgrounds sit between Spruce Mountain and Bean Peak in Prescott National Forest.

Friendly Pines says on its website that it will only cancel camp if mandated by the local, state or federal government. If that happens, they will provide refunds. Camp staff is monitoring guidelines from the Yavapai County Health Department, Gov. Doug Ducey's office, the Arizona Department of Health Services and the CDC.

"One of the hardest things about living in a coronavirus world is the day-to-day uncertainty," camp director Kevin Nissen wrote in an email to families on April 27. "We would love for Friendly Pines Camp to be something families can count on and plan for. Everyone needs a week or two that feels normal – that feels like living again."

Spring camps had to cancel or reschedule, but Friendly Pines is trying to find new ways to connect. It's hosting weekly virtual hangouts on Facebook Live every Friday afternoon. There are camp songs, show-and-tells and lessons on how to make biscuits.

Other Arizona camps also are accepting registrations. Parents can still register online for places like Camp Geronimo in Payson and YMCA Camp Sky-Y in Prescott.

Other camps canceled

Other campers will have to make s'mores at home. The Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council typically offers programs in Phoenix, Prescott and Payson. On April 3, the organization announced that Girl Scout Camp sessions have been canceled this summer due to the coronavirus.

"While the traditional summer camp programs won’t be held, the GSACPC Camp Team is currently designing other summer camp program options that could be offered when it is safe to do so," GSACPC wrote on its website. "We strongly believe in the positive impact summer camp experiences have on girls’ lives and hope to see our campers later in the year or next summer."

Refunds are available, though campers can also choose to have that in the form of a voucher for future camps. Typical camp activities include swimming, archery, cooking, outdoor skills, leadership, and arts and crafts.